Friday, May 28, 2004

Article: ID Theft from Medical Records

A recent story from Baltimore, MD, highlights the vulnerability of personal information and the need for vigilance. People trust their doctors to maintain their confidentiality, but this trust can be betrayed by unscrupulous employees.

Making Medical Records Identity-Theft Proof

POSTED: 8:47 am EDT May 27, 2004

BALTIMORE -- You trust your doctor to maintain your health but what about your privacy?

Patients from one doctor's office thought their personal information was protected. They were wrong.

WBAL-TV 11 News I-Team reporter Barry Simms discovers how easily your security can be breeched.

Anne Knoeller thought her personal information was secure until an unusual phone call...

Knoeller: "He said check your credit report."

The caller -- a Baltimore County police detective. He told her, "your information's been taken out of a doctor's office."

She was shocked. The alleged thief -- a medical assistant trusted with private patient information. 21-year-old Chanell Cole of Baltimore worked at Hunt Manor Medical Associates in Phoenix. The practice is affiliated with the Greater Baltimore Medical Center....

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